Morbihan is a department in southern Brittany. The eponymous gulf is an inland sea dotted with islands and islets. Protected from the swell of the Atlantic Ocean, this little corner of Breton paradise promises visitors a beautiful communion with nature and its small villages. The Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan is a concentration of landscapes harboring a rich biodiversity. Whether you're a hiker at heart, a water sports enthusiast or a heritage lover, the Golfe du Morbihan is like a small enclave where it's good to multiply experiences. Here are 11 examples of places to visit and things to do on vacation here.
1. Vannes, gateway to the Golfe du Morbihan
A stroll through Vannes is a great way to start a holiday in the Golfe du Morbihan. The streets and alleyways of the old town reveal a wealth of medieval architecture, including sublime half-timbered houses. Surrounded by ramparts, Vannes offers a gentle tour that takes in the Porte Saint-Vincent, the Place des Lices, the Maison de Vannes et sa femme, and the neo-Gothic façade of the Cathedral Saint-Pierre. Later, head for the port of Vannes and the ramparts garden, to enjoy a little more of the city's peaceful atmosphere. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is also well worth a visit, with works dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Vannes, a peaceful city, is not only ideal for vacations, but also one of the best towns in France in which to retire!
2. Arzon and its ports
Located at the tip of the Presqu'île de Rhuys, bordering the Gulf of Morbihan and facing the Bay of Quiberon, the commune of Arzon is a charming stopover before escaping to the islands. A favorite destination, visitors can discover the Port de Crouesty, Brittany's largest yachting harbor, as well as the picturesque Port-Navalo, with its ancient fishing boats, gabares and schooners. Arzon is home to boutiques, bars, restaurants and crêperies. It's also a great place to watch the tides, or to immerse yourself in history by admiring the Cairn de Petit Mont. This well-preserved megalithic site is surrounded by greenery.
3. Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys, artists' village
The Presqu'île de Rhuys is definitely home to many wonders. Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys is a place not to be missed on any vacation in the Golfe du Morbihan. Not least for the pleasure of strolling along the cliffs of the Grand Mont. You'll discover a palette of a thousand colors and some of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula, bordered by a translucent sea. The village is also well worth a visit, with its abbey, its pretty Breton houses and its many painters', sculptors' and visual artists' studios. A good idea for a destination if you're wondering where to go in July 2024?
4. Île aux Moines, the largest in the Gulf of Morbihan
Also known as the "Pearl of the Gulf", Île aux Moines is one of the top destinations in the Golfe du Morbihan. The best way to discover it is to rent a bike and let yourself be carried along the heather-covered hills, megalithic sites, secret coves and wooded picnic areas. You can 't miss the Bois d'Amour, with its large beach lined with colorful cabins. Orange trees, palm trees, camellias and mimosas are just some of the plants to be found in abundance on the Gulf's largest island. And don't forget to pass through the village to admire the fishermen's houses and stop off at a bar or restaurant.
5. The Gavrinis Cairn, an ancient vestige
Gavrinis is one of the four islands of Lamor-Baden, located at the entrance to the Golfe du Morbihan. Only accessible on a guided tour, the Cairn de Gavrinis, built of dry stone over 6,000 years ago, is a megalithic site unique in the world, renowned for the number and quality of its engraved decorations. Strolling through its 14 m-long gallery, visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty of the harmonious patterns adorning the walls, with lines, circles and spirals. The drawings also fascinate archaeologists, who are eager to understand their meaning.
6. Intimate Arz Island
Theisland of Arz is nicknamed l'île aux Capitaines. Visitors can tour the island on foot, along a 17 km trail that offers the chance to admire its abundant vegetation and keep an eye on the sea and surrounding islands. If you prefer, you can get on a bike and ride the inland paths to one of the beaches, which are ideal for sunbathing and swimming in fine weather. Ile d'Arz, a prime destination for family vacations, is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddling, among other outdoor activities. A stroll along the dike of the Berno tide mill, a visit to the picturesque village and the Musée Marins et Capitaines are other must-do activities on Île aux Moines' little sister.
7. Sarzeau, a strong Breton identity
On the Presqu'île de Rhuys, Sarzeau is a picturesque commune, bordered on one side by the coves of the Golfe du Morbihan, and on the other by the long sandy beaches of the Atlantic. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Côte chapel and the Château de Suscinio are must-sees for a better understanding of the town's medieval history. Sarzeau is a commune with a strong Breton identity, with superb stone houses, places to sample oysters and the port of Logeo, where you can admire a beautiful sunset. Sarzeau is one of the best places to set up camp and enjoy the Gulf and its long sandy beaches.
8. Berder Island and its wild side
Berder Island is linked to Lamor-Baden by a submersible causeway. Walkers can cross the 80 m at low tide and take a 2.5 km walk around the island. It's a delightful stroll, with trees and vegetation here and there reminiscent of the South of France. Low tide also reveals a boat cemetery and oyster beds. From this small island, the panoramic views over the Gulf of Morbihan are breathtaking. It's an unspoilt spot, where cameras are a must!
9. Île Tascon, another beautiful natural setting
Tascon is the third largest island in the Golfe du Morbihan. It lies off the coast of Saint-Armel and is linked to the mainland by a 400 m-long submersible causeway. Walkers can cross over at low tide to discover its authentic appearance. The island's fields and meadows are home to Charolais cows, and in the hamlet of Tascon, the Le Menach family farm welcomes visitors to stock up on meat, eggs and seasonal vegetables. Of course, it's worth taking the time to follow the coastline to immortalize the most beautiful marine panoramas, and the island is also a great place for birdwatching.
10. The Séné Marshes Nature Reserve
The Réserve naturelle des Marais de Séné promises a beautiful nature walk. It is the largest natural area in the Gulf of Morbihan. The variety of landscapes is incredible, with mudflats, former salt marshes, salt meadows, marshes, hedgerows and wet meadows. This site is recognized in Europe as one of the most exceptional areas for its biodiversity, and in particular for its waterfowl. Species such as the avocette elegante, the white stilt, the common tern and the black-throated bluebird can be observed here. You'll also come across invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. An area that is sure to appeal to eco-conscious travellers.
11. Locmariaquer, an authentic village
Locmariaquer, at the crossroads of the Bay of Quiberon and the Gulf of Morbihan, is one of Brittany's most beautiful villages, just the way we like it, with an architecture and atmosphere that immediately puts us in the mood. A real corner of paradise in Brittany. The commune is home to several beaches where you can breathe in the sea spray in winter and bask in the sun in summer. Locmariaquer is also a great starting point for kayaking to l'île aux Moines or l'île d'Arz. The village is also famous for its exceptional megalithic ensemble, with the Table des Marchands dolmen, the Grand Menhir brisé and the Er Grah tumulus. And because we never tire of marine panoramas, head for the Pointe de Kerpenhir for a remarkable view of the ocean and Port-Navalo.
What to do in Morbihan when it rains?
It's raining during your stay in Morbihan and its Golfe. Don't panic, this is the perfect opportunity to visit the Château de Suscinio, residence of the Dukes of Brittany, for a plunge back into the Middle Ages. To the north of the Gulf, the Pays d'Auray Ecomuseum is a fascinating place to discover the life of farmers in the Pays d'Auray between 1850 and 1950. With free visits, events and workshops, the place is always full of life. If it's still raining, it's time to push on to Lorient, famous not only for hosting one of France's best sailing festivals, but also for its Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, a museum dedicated to the world of sailing. Closer to the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes awaits vacationers at La Cohue, its fine arts museum, cinemas and crêperies for a comforting snack.
To spice up your stay, did you know that Morbihan offers some incredible experiences, such as a night in an unusual accommodation, the Kerbel lighthouse in Riantec, or following one of France's most beautiful roads, the route des mégalithes de Bretagne? There's no doubt about it, Brittany has everything it takes to seduce and surprise you. Discover the region's must-sees without further ado!
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